Description
Cheesy baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with rich marinara sauce and a blend of creamy cheeses. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, offering a delightful experience that will leave your guests asking for seconds. With its gooey cheese topping and savory layers, cheesy baked ziti is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stir half of the marinara sauce into the cooked ziti.
- In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, half of the ziti mixture, dollops of ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, then repeat layers finishing with remaining mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For added flavors, include sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Use different cheeses such as gouda for extra creaminess. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven.